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Create IOT products and solutions – Part 2

In my last article, I have talked about the challenges and oppurtunities of IOT industry. Now let’s talk about building an IOT product and  benefits of it in the market.

xl-2016-internet-of-things-1

How about building an IOT device?

Now let me also talk a bit about the process of building an IOT product. If you are thinking of building an air purifier, or a thermostat, or some smart lighting solutions for home, you are very likely to hit the first stumbling block as to how to go about the whole process. How to get a 3D design for the device, where to go for a prototype design, and how to get the electronics (the PCB part) done, and how to make the device talk and interact with various other devices like your mobile phone, etc.
 What you need is professional expertise in not one particular field, but many diverse fields. If you are a software engineer with some experience with coding, you will know writing software is not that difficult as all you need is a computer, and you could create wonders just sitting in home or office. Building a real, physical thing can be really tough & challenging. Not only it requires varied set of skill set, but also can cost much more to prototype, and test it out.

Steps to follow before going ahead

For the benefit of newbies to the field, I have listed down the steps generally followed in any IOT product development process.

  • Market Research
  • Conceptualization/Ideation
  • Design
  • Prototype (Schematic Design, Layout)
  • PCB Manufacturing
  • Procuring components & assembly of electronic circuitry
  • 3D printing of casing & outer facade of the product
  • Field Trials
  • Redesign & trials if needed
  • Marketing & Mass manufacturing

Loads of data is generated, but what to do with it?

Due to the large number of IOT devices around, it is quite as well expected that they will generate a huge volume of data. Question is how to make best use of the data captured, or how to make your device react to events triggered by actions of other users, or may be from the device owner himself through a mobile application.

Standards like the MQTT, AMQP, etc are the general protocols used for an IOT device or the cloud to communicate with each other. Both of them work on basic principle of publish/subscribe. The two parties subscribe to events, and whenever there is an update, or an occurrence of the event, the subscribing parties are notified.

Providers like Microsoft Azure, ABM, and AWS have all come up with their IOT platforms making it easy to monitor and control remote devices from click of a button. Being on the cloud, it gives IOT the ability to scale. The data being captured in the cloud can be analysed, and trends studied using Machine Learning algorithms and Artificial Intelligence.

Today it is possible to auto update the firmware of an IOT device without requiring any intervention from the customer.

How IOT will drive benefits for users?

Data generated from IOT devices are being continuously analysed and machine learning models are built to help in predictive analytics. Earlier emphasis was on preventive maintenance in industries, and anywhere else where machines were deployed. We used to ensure regular and timely checkups to ensure our machines are always in healthy state. But now with advancements in technology, based on the data captured, our machine learning prediction models can warn us in advance of a possible impending breakdown. A corrective action can be immediately triggered, and the machine is restored to good health much before breakdown.

emergency-notification-iot

Today IOT driven processes paves the way for improvements in existing processes leading to higher customer satisfaction & safety leading to better profits for businesses. Customers delight and an increasing affiliation are invaluable assets to any business, and when IOT is able to help the business achieve that, its relevance will never be in doubt. No wonder Gartner Research predicts there will be more than 20 billion IOT devices by the year 2020.
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The Essence of User-Centered Design: A Dive into Fundamental Principles

In a digital world where user experience reigns supreme, crafting designs that resonate has become a mission. Enter User-Centered Design (UCD), a philosophy placing users at the core of the creative process. In this exploration, we’ll delve into the fundamental principles of User-Centered Design and understand why they are the keystones of successful interfaces.

User-Centered Design

Introduction:

Imagine navigating a website seamlessly, effortlessly finding what you need. That experience is no accident but the result of intentional design. User-centered design (UCD) is the compass guiding designers toward creating interfaces that users not only navigate but embrace.

1. Empathy is Key:

  • Incorporate for a better approach: Start by stepping into the shoes of your users. What are their pain points? What delights them? By empathizing, designers gain insights that drive user-focused design decisions.

2. User Involvement Throughout the Design Process:

  • Real-life example or statistic: Apple’s iterative design process involves user testing at every stage. This constant involvement ensures that their products align precisely with user needs.

3. Holistic Approach to Design:

  • Visual content: Picture your design not as isolated screens but as a cohesive journey. Use diagrams to illustrate how each component fits into the larger user experience ecosystem.

4. Usability is Non-Negotiable:

  • Case studies or examples: Consider the success of Google’s homepage. Its simplicity and efficiency showcase the power of a user-centered approach, emphasizing usability.

5. Accessibility for All:

  • End with a clear call-to-action: Make your designs accessible. It’s not just a legal obligation; it’s an ethical imperative. Ensure your interfaces are usable by everyone, regardless of ability.

6. Consistency Across the Interface:

  • Formatting for readability: Consistency is not just a design principle; it’s a readability strategy. Use bullet points for clarity and short paragraphs for easy consumption.

7. Flexibility and Customization:

  • Inclusive language: Users are diverse, so should your designs be. Incorporate flexibility and customization options. This ensures your interface caters to a broad range of preferences.

Why User-Centered Design Matters:

A. Enhanced User Satisfaction:

  • Feedback mechanism: Prioritize user satisfaction. A satisfied user is an engaged user. Welcome reader input and questions to keep the conversation alive.

B. Reduced Learning Curve:

  • Clear call-to-action: Minimize frustration. Make your interfaces intuitive, reducing the learning curve. Invite users to explore with a clear call-to-action.

C. Increased Engagement and Retention:

  • Visual content: Engaging interfaces retain users. Visualize engagement with appealing images or infographics. Showcase how user-centered designs reduce bounce rates.

D. Effective Problem Solving:

  • Tangible proof: Case studies offer tangible proof. Explore how UCD’s iterative process allows for effective problem-solving. Real-world examples bring these concepts to life.

Conclusion:

In the grand tapestry of digital design, User-Centered Design is the thread weaving functionality, aesthetics, and user satisfaction into a seamless whole. By embracing these principles, designers transform mere interfaces into user-centric experiences. So, as you embark on your design journey, remember: User-centered design isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a commitment to excellence. Design with the user in mind, and success will follow.

About the Author: Mehul Chauhan is a seasoned Senior UI/UX Designer at Mantra Labs. With a deep understanding of design principles and a keen eye for detail, he brings creativity and innovation to every project he touches. When he’s not busy perfecting digital interfaces, you can find him seeking inspiration in art galleries or exploring the latest design trends across various industries.

Further Reading: Unveiling the Art of Emotional Design

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